File storage container

ABSTRACT

An improved file storage container includes a generally rectangular box having a base wall and front, rear and side walls mounted on and extending upwards from the base wall thereby forming the generally rectangular box. A box lid includes a lid top wall and a lid front wall, lid rear wall and lid side walls mounted on and extending downwards from the lid top wall, the box lid being adapted to fit onto and cover the generally rectangular box. A connection and securement device includes lower and upper interlocking sections, the lower section mounted atop the generally rectangular box circumferentially around an upper edge of each of the front wall, rear wall and side walls of the generally rectangular box, and the upper section mounted on a lower edge of each of the lid front wall, lid rear wall and lid side walls of the box lid, the upper and lower sections releasably interlocking to form a generally watertight and vermin-proof seal thereby substantially preventing incursion of water and vermin into the box. For supporting the box above a ground surface, the box includes at least three feet mounted on and projecting downwards from the base wall of the generally rectangular box. Finally, the box lid includes at least three feet-receiving indentations formed in the lid top wall of the box lid for receiving and frictionally retaining the feet of a second file storage container mounted thereon whereby file storage containers may be stacked on one another for storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to the filing date of a relatedprovisional application Ser. No. 60/245,639 filed Nov. 3, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to file storage devices and, moreparticularly, to a file storage container which is generally rectangularin shape and includes a vertically extended lid to provide for clearancefor files stored within the box, a plurality of feet mounted on theunderside of the box for supporting the box in an elevated positionrelative to the floor surface on which it is resting, a plurality ofindentations formed in the top surface of the lid to accept and retainthe feet of a file storage container mounted thereon whereby a pluralityof file storage containers may be stacked one a top another and aninterlocking sealing device operative to releasably connect the lid withthe box to prevent the entrance of moisture, bugs, etc., into the filestorage container.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] In the modern business world, the efficient storage of businessforms, such as files, letters and records, is essential to efficientorganization and operation of the business. In achieving suchefficiency, the business records must be stored in as compact a manneras possible and yet, at the same time, allow for easy retrieval duringdaily business operations. Furthermore, especially in the legalprofession, it is important to not only safely and efficiently storefiles and documents, but to permit their portability in such a way thatdamage to the files is prevented. Many of the prior art devices used forthe storage of files and documents are constructed of cardboard or thelike, and while they are generally acceptable for short-term storage offiles, during long-term storage and during transport the cardboard boxestend to be damaged and in turn permit damage to the materials heldtherein. There is therefore a need for an improved file storagecontainer which will prevent damage to the files stored therein and iseasily transportable.

[0006] A variety of filing apparatus, including file drawers and filedividers or envelopes, are well-known to the skilled artisan. Suchapparatus includes a bill file disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 193,296wherein a plurality of dividers are positioned within a file drawer, thedividers having notches in the sides thereof which engage a pair ofstrips disposed along the horizontal sides of the drawer. Papers orother records are placed between the dividers if desired, with thedividers being slidingly moveable along the strip so as to accommodatedifferent numbers of papers or records therebetween.

[0007] It is also known to provide dividers which include apertures atthe top end thereof which engage horizontally extending strips in theside of a file drawer to hold the file in a vertical upright positionand to permit sliding movement of the file dividers within the drawer,as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,712,168.

[0008] None of the prior art devices shown, however, disclose an easilyportable and safe storage container for files and documents which willsubstantially prevent damage to the files and documents containedtherein. One of the major problems encountered in the long-term storageof files and documents is that insects, rats and environmentalconditions such as water get into the documents and destroy them.Cardboard boxes are particularly susceptible to this type of damage, asrats and insects chew on wood products and water will severely weakenthe box structure. There is therefore a need for a file storagecontainer which will permit long-term storage of the files and documentsand will do so in a manner that prevents external damage to thedocuments and files stored therein.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide animproved file storage container.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedfile storage container which is constructed of a sturdy,damage-resistant plastic to prevent damage to materials stored therein.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedfile storage container having a height that is less than the filessupported therein for easy viewing and removal of files therefrom, and alid having a depth to permit the lid to be placed over the files ontothe container thus closing the container and protecting the files heldtherein.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedfile storage container that is easily portable and can be shippedthrough the mail or via airline baggage systems to the final destinationwithout raising concerns about whether the container will come throughintact with the contents undamaged.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedfile storage container that is waterproof and vermin-proof to preventdamage to the files and documents stored therein by bugs, rats andwater.

[0014] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide animproved file storage container which is safe, durable and efficient inuse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention provides a file storage container includinga generally rectangular box having a base wall and front, rear and sidewalls mounted on and extending upwards from the base wall therebyforming the generally rectangular box. A box lid includes a lid top walland a lid front wall, lid rear wall and lid side walls mounted on andextending downwards from the lid top wall, the box lid being adapted tofit onto and cover the generally rectangular box. A connection andsecurement device includes lower and upper interlocking sections, thelower section mounted atop the generally rectangular boxcircumferentially around an upper edge of each of the front wall, rearwall and side walls of the generally rectangular box, and the uppersection mounted on a lower edge of each of the lid front wall, lid rearwall and lid side walls of the box lid, the upper and lower sectionsreleasably interlocking to form a generally watertight and vermin-proofseal thereby substantially preventing incursion of water and vermin intothe box. For supporting the box above a ground surface, the box includesat least three feet mounted on and projecting downwards from the basewall of the generally rectangular box. Finally, the box lid includes atleast three feet-receiving indentations formed in the lid top wall ofthe box lid for receiving and frictionally retaining the feet of asecond file storage container mounted thereon whereby file storagecontainers may be stacked on one another for storage.

[0016] The improved file storage container of the present invention, asthus described, offers many advantages over the devices previously usedfor file and document storage and transport. For example, the watertightand vermin-proof storage permits the safe, long-term storage of thefiles and documents stored therein. Also, the feet elevate the storagecontainer and thus prevent damage to the container due to contact withthe ground, while simultaneously allowing the easy pickup of the boxwith a hand truck or the like. Furthermore, as the feet of an upper filestorage container fit within the feet-receiving indentations of the filestorage container immediately below it, safe and secure stacking ofmultiple file storage containers is permitted, thus enabling moreefficient use of storage space. Finally, as the present inventionprovides a lid having a depth, when the lid is removed, the files storedwithin project above the upper edges of the box for easy removal andviewing of the contents. It is thus seen that the present inventionprovides a substantial improvement over the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the file storage container of thepresent invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a detail side sectional elevational view of theinterlocking sealing construction between the lid and base containershowing how moisture and other harmful materials are prevented fromentering the file storage container;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a side sectional elevational view of the presentinvention showing the feet thereon and a file stored within; and

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing multiple file storagecontainers of the presenting invention stacked atop one another.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] The file storage container 10 of the present invention is bestshown in FIGS. 1-4 as including a generally rectangular box section 12which includes a base wall 14 and front, rear and side walls 16, 18, and20 a and 20 b, which extend upwards and are connected to base wall 14thus forming the generally rectangular box structure of box section 12.In the preferred embodiment, box section 12 would be approximately eightinches deep by twelve inches long and fifteen inches wide, although theprecise dimensions of box section 12 would generally be determined bythe material to be stored within the file storage container 10. In thepreferred embodiment, however, the above-mentioned dimensions arepreferred as the box section 12 may thus store both letter size andlegal size file folders (11 inches and 14 inches in width,respectively). It is further preferred that the container 10 beconstructed of a high-impact plastic plate material to provide for adurable, conditions-proof construction material.

[0022] As shown best in FIG. 2, a file folder 100 fits within the boxsection 12 in an upright position with the upper section of the filefolder 100 extending above the top edge of box section 12 to permitconvenient viewing, accessing and removal of the file folder 100 fromthe box section 12. Another substantial advantage of the restriction ofthe wall height of box section 12 is that the label on the file folder100 may be quickly and easily viewed, thus permitting removal of thedesired file folder from the box section 12. An added advantage of therestriction in height of box section 12 is that the user of the filestorage container 10 of the present invention may merely set the filestorage container 10 on the desk at which he or she is working andaccess file folders stored within file storage container 10 much morequickly and easily than similar file storage containers found in theprior art.

[0023] Of course, the file storage container 10 of the present inventionwill not always include a full compliment of file folders 100 storedwithin the box section 12. The problem to be solved is how to keep thefile folders 100 stored within box section 12 in upright position evenif the full compliment of files is not stored within. The solution is toinclude a semi-flexible file securement plate 22, shown best in FIG. 4,which has a length slightly greater than the internal width of boxsection 12 and a plurality of spaced, generally vertical grooves formedon the interior surfaces of front wall 16, rear wall 18 and side walls20 a and 20 b, the grooves 24 acting to frictionally secure filesecurement plate 22 in a determined location in order to restrictmovement of file folders 100 in box section 12. The semi-flexible natureof file securement plate 22 permits some bending of the plate 22 inorder to properly position and secure the file folders 100 within boxsection 12, the file securement plate 22 being positioned within the boxsection 12 adjacent the folders therein and being “ratcheted” towardsthe file folders 100 until the center section of file securement plate22 presses against the adjacent file folder 100 and the tension of thefile folders against the plate 22 secure the plate 22 against thegrooves 24.

[0024] It has also been found that it is desirable to roughly texturethe upper surface of base wall 14 in order to provide additionalfriction for file folders 100 resting thereon, thereby helping toprevent sliding and undesirable movement of file folders 100 within boxsection 12. The roughened texture may be of any appropriate design,although it is expected that a “pebbling” of the upper surface of basewall 14 would provide the most cost-efficient and effective form ofroughened texture.

[0025] Formed on the underside of base wall 14 are a plurality ofcontainer-supporting feet 30 a, 30 b, 30 c and 30 d which act to spacethe base wall 14 from the surface on which file storage container 10 isresting. In the preferred embodiment, the feet 30 a-d are generallyarcuate in shape consisting of a generally flat, curved plate of rigidmaterial connected at either end of the underside of base wall 14thereby forming a downwardly rounded foot, as shown best in FIGS. 3 and4. It is preferred that longitudinal axis of each of the feet 30 a-d begenerally aligned with the longitudinal axis of box section 12. It isimportant to note that the rounded shape of the feet 30 a-d fulfillsseveral desirable functions, including inhibiting the shifting of filestorage containers 10 when stacked atop one another and permitting theeasy sliding of the file storage container 10 in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of each foot 30 a-d. Of course, the feet 30 a-d may beconstructed in any appropriate manner, so long as the primary functionof elevating the base wall 14 above the ground surface on which the filestorage container 10 is resting is maintained.

[0026] One additional function of the feet 30 a-d is to allow for thelift plate of a hand truck to be quickly and easily slid underneath thefile storage container 10 for lifting and moving the container. Thecardboard boxes of the prior art are often torn or damaged by the edgesof the lift plate being slid thereunder, and the feet 30 a-d of thepresent invention are designed to prevent the file storage container 10of the present invention from being damaged in a like manner, inaddition to facilitating the lifting and transporting of the containers.

[0027] The lid 40 of file storage container 10 is shown best in FIGS.1-4 as including a generally horizontal top wall 42 from the edges ofwhich depend a lid front wall 44, lid rear wall 46 and lid side walls 48a and 48 b. In the preferred embodiment, the height of each of thefront, rear and side walls, 44, 46 and 48 a-b would be approximatelythree inches in order to permit lid 40 to be fitted onto box section 12without impacting or damaging the upper sections of file folders 100stored within box section 12. Also, on top wall 42, is a handle 50 topermit lifting of the lid 40 and entire file storage container 10 whenlid 40 is secured on box section 12 b. Finally, lid 40 would alsoinclude a plurality of feet-receiving indentations 52 a, 52 b, 52 c and52 d which are formed in and positioned at the corners of top wall 42and are designed to receive and releasably secure the feet 30 a-d offile storage container 10 stacked atop file storage container 10′ asshown best in FIG. 4. This design feature permits the stacking ofmultiple file storage containers atop one another in a generally stablemanner as the feet of the upper file storage container are releasablysecured within foot-receiving indentations 52 a-d of the file storagecontainer immediately beneath the upper file storage container.

[0028] For securing lid 40 to box section 12, it is preferred that theconnection and securement device 60 include two interlocking sections,lower section 62 mounted atop box section 12 circumferentially aroundthe upper edges of front wall 16, rear wall 18, and side walls 20 a and20 b, and upper section 64 be mounted on the lower edges of lid frontwall 44, lid rear wall 46 and lid side walls 48 a and 48 b on lid 40. Inthe preferred embodiment, lower section 62 would comprise a securementlip adapted to fit within upper section 64, which in the preferredembodiment, is a securement clasp section which is deformed to fit overand “snap” down on securement lip 62. In this manner, the upper andlower sections 64 and 62 of connection securement device 60 interlockwith one another to secure lid 40 on base box section 12 until such timeas the upper securement clasp section 64 is deformed to release lowersecurement lip section 62. In the preferred embodiment, the connectionsecurement device 60 would provide a substantially waterproof/bug tightseal to prevent intrusion of water into the file storage container 10and likewise prevent the intrusion of insects into the file storagecontainer 10 which could result in damage to file folders 100 storedtherewithin.

[0029] To further secure lid 40 on box section 12, outwardly extendingupper and lower protruding channel lips 70 and 72 would be formedcircumferentially, respectively, on the outer edges of upper and lowersections 64 and 62 of connection securement device 60. In the preferredembodiment, when lid 40 is seated atop box section 12 and the upper andlower sections 64 and 62 of connection securement device 60 areinterlocked with one another, upper and lower channel lips 70 and 72 arepositioned adjacent one another on the outer edge of connectionsecurement device 60. A length of rigid channel 74 having a generallyC-shaped cross-sectional shape would then be slid over the upper andlower channel lips 70 and 72 on each side of the file storage container10 as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, thus further securing lid 40 to boxsection 12 and rendering the file storage container 10 virtuallyimpervious to external assault. Of course, numerous variations of theconnection device described herein may be substituted so long as theintended function of securing lid 40 to box section 12 is accomplished.

[0030] Furthermore, it is to be understood that numerous modificationsand substitutions may be made to the file storage container 10 of thepresent invention which fall within the intended broad scope of theabove disclosure. For example, although the present invention isintended to be constructed of a durable, high-impact plastic, otherconstruction materials may be substituted for the plastic so long as thedesired features of longevity and durability are maintained.Furthermore, the precise size, shape and dimensions of the file storagecontainer 10 of the present invention may be modified and changed solong as the intended functioning of the present invention is notdegraded. Finally, additional features such as nameplates, tie downattachments and other such features may be included on the exterior ofthe present invention which fall within the skilled practitioner'sunderstanding of the features of the prior art.

[0031] There has therefore been shown and described a file storagecontainer which accomplishes at least all of its intended objectives.

What is claimed is:
 1. A file storage container comprising; a generallyrectangular box including a base wall and front, rear and side wallsmounted on and extending upwards from said base wall thereby formingsaid generally rectangular box; a box lid including a lid top wall and alid front wall, lid rear wall and lid side walls mounted on andextending downwards from said lid top wall; said box lid adapted to fitonto and cover said generally rectangular box; a connection andsecurement device including lower and upper interlocking sections, saidlower section mounted atop said generally rectangular boxcircumferentially around an upper edge of each of said front wall, rearwall and side walls of said generally rectangular box, and said uppersection mounted on a lower edge of each of said lid front wall, lid rearwall and lid side walls of said box lid, said upper and lower sectionsreleasably interlocking to form a generally watertight and vermin-proofseal thereby substantially preventing incursion of water and vermin intosaid box; at least three feet mounted on and projecting downwards fromsaid base wall of said generally rectangular box for supporting saidbase wall of said generally rectangular box above a ground surface; andat least three feet-receiving indentations formed in said lid top wallof said box lid for receiving and frictionally retaining the feet of asecond file storage container mounted thereon whereby file storagecontainers are stacked on one another for storage.
 2. The file storagecontainer of claim 1 wherein said file storage container is constructedof a high-impact plastic plate material that is generally resistant todamage and degradation.
 3. The file storage container of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one file folder having a specific height, said atleast one file folder positioned within said box in a generally uprightposition, at least one of said front, rear and side walls having aheight less than said specific height of said at least one file foldersuch that an upper section of said at least one file folder extendsabove at least one of said upper edges of said front, rear and sidewalls thereby permitting convenient viewing, accessing and removing ofsaid at least one file folder from said generally rectangular box. 4.The file storage container of claim 1 wherein said lower section of saidconnection and securement device comprises a securement lip and saidupper section of said connection and securement device comprises asecurement clasp, said securement clasp operative to elasticallyreleasably deform to fit over and snap-fit onto said securement lipthereby forming a generally watertight and vermin-proof seal betweensaid generally rectangular box and said box lid.
 5. The file storagecontainer of claim 1 further comprising: outwardly extending upper andlower protruding channel lips formed circumferentially, respectively, onsaid upper and lower sections of said connection and securement device,said upper and lower protruding channel lips positioned adjacent oneanother when said box lid is positioned on said box; and at least onelongitudinally extended channel having a generally C-shapedcross-sectional shape, said channel adapted to be slid over and engagesaid upper and lower channel lips to releasably secure said upper andlower channel lips and additionally secure said box lid on said boxthereby providing additional protection for box contents.
 6. The filestorage container of claim 3 further comprising internal file securementmeans operative to releasably secure files and folders stored withinsaid file storage container in a generally upright orientation therebypreventing accidental dislodging of file contents from files andfolders.
 7. The file storage container of claim 3 further comprising: agenerally semi-flexible file securement plate having a length slightlygreater than an internal width of said generally rectangular box; and aplurality of spaced, generally vertical grooves formed on interiorsurfaces of said front wall, rear wall and side walls, said groovesadapted to frictionally secure said file securement plate in adetermined location thereby restrict movement of file folders stored insaid box, said semi-flexible file securement plate operative to bepositioned within said box generally adjacent folders therein and bemoved/ratcheted towards folders until a center section of said filesecurement plate presses against the adjacent file folder and thetension of the file folders against said file securement plate securesaid file securement plate against said grooves.
 8. The file storagecontainer of claim 1 wherein said box lid further comprises at least onehandle for facilitating lifting of said file storage container.